Rwanda is seeking to build the skilled workforce needed to accelerate growth in its textile and garment industry through specialized fashion education, with the proposed Kent State University-Rwanda expected to train designers, merchandisers, and brand builders capable of competing in regional and global markets. ALSO READ: How having a fashion school in Rwanda will impact the industry The initiative was presented during a high-level symposium on Friday, June 19, where government officials, industry stakeholders, and university representatives toured the future campus facilities in Kigali. University officials said the institution secured the facility through a lease agreement and is currently undergoing accreditation processes in Rwanda and the United States ahead of the launch of degree programmes in fashion design and fashion merchandising. ALSO READ: UR launches Kent State University Centre, seeks to start aeronautics program Speaking at the symposium, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Antoine Kajangwe, said skills development will be critical as Rwanda advances its industrialization agenda and seeks to expand its textile and garment sector. ALSO READ: Young designer envisioning starting up a school of African Fashion in Rwanda “As we continue our industrialization drive, skills development will be a very important component of that process. The programmes being developed by Kent State University-Rwanda are expected to equip students with skills that extend beyond garment design to include merchandising, branding, and market development,” Kajangwe said. According to the minister, the country's ambition is not only to manufacture more garments locally but also to build competitive brands capable of serving regional and international markets. “Producers and manufacturers of clothing will be able to create products that meet the needs of the Rwandan market and the broader African market. Equally important is learning how to distribute and market what we produce in Rwanda, particularly Made-in-Rwanda textiles and garments,” Kajangwe said. He pointed to the growing potential of Africa's fashion market, arguing that greater value lies not only in production but also in brand creation and market positioning. “As we place greater emphasis on fashion merchandising, brand development, and enhancing brand value, that is where the real value and economies of scale will be found,” he said. Officials from Kent State University said Rwanda emerged as the preferred destination for the institution’s expansion after an assessment of opportunities across the continent. Marcello Fantoni, the Vice President for Global Education at Kent State University, said Rwanda’s investment in education and human capital development played a key role in the decision. “We chose Rwanda after conducting extensive research, and it became clear that Rwanda was the country with the highest potential. It is already on an extraordinarily successful development path, and its investment in human capital and education is outstanding,” Fantoni said. He said the university’s objective is to help transform creative talent into economic opportunity by combining design skills with business and commercial knowledge. “We are not coming here to teach Rwandans how to do fashion. Rather, we are here to help Rwandans teach the world how they do fashion,” he said. Fantoni highlighted fashion merchandising as a critical component of the planned programmes, describing it as the bridge between creativity and commercial success. “We must unlock the potential that exists within the creative sector through education, support, and guidance. At the same time, we must connect that potential to opportunities that can impact the labour market, the economy, and the country’s overall development,” he said. The proposed institution plans to award qualifications equivalent to those offered by Kent State University in the United States. The programmes will be open to students who meet admission requirements, and officials indicated that support mechanisms are being explored to improve accessibility. Fantoni said a partnership with Rwanda’s Ministry of Education is expected to facilitate preferential tuition arrangements and sponsorship opportunities for students. “A significant number of students will be directly sponsored by the Ministry of Education,” he said. Maximilien Kolbe Hategikimana, the Program Manager of Kent State University-Rwanda, said the initiative seeks to address structural gaps that continue to limit Africa’s participation in the global fashion economy. “The university will offer an African solution to one of the key challenges limiting Africa’s role in the global fashion economy. Although Africa’s creative economy exceeds $58 billion, the continent continues to face shortages in specialized training, infrastructure, and industry support systems,” he said. While the global fashion industry is valued at approximately $1.8 trillion and is projected to reach $2.3 trillion by 2030, he observed, Africa remains underrepresented in the sector. “There is limited specialized education and training, fragmented value chains, insufficient infrastructure and investment, and a lack of industry ecosystems and support networks. To address some of these challenges, the university has worked with industry stakeholders to adapt its curriculum to local and continental realities,” he said. “The programme will include courses on African textile history and trade routes alongside international fashion education standards.” Officials said the project is expected to contribute to job creation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and talent development while strengthening Rwanda’s position as an emerging hub for the creative and textile industries.
